Crazy... I mean like, so many positive waves... maybe we can't lose, you're on!

Kelly's Heroes

(1970)

Enjoyable romp from the pen of Troy Kennedy Martin, with some wonderful dialogue, and dealing with a similar objective to his previous The Italian Job. The script sustains interest, although at two and a quarter hours the film does stray into indulgence at times.

Apparently Brian G Hutton (of Where Eagles Dare) took over after Don Seigel had to drop out (you can bet he'd have made it tighter) and he does solid work (Also from WED, Ingrid Pitt was cast in a role that was cut just before shooting began). He's workmanlike but knows his geography in the action sequences (the Leone homage scene is a parody too far, perhaps).

Lalo Schifrin's score adds immeasurably to the impact of the Tiger tank sequences (a theme Tarantino ripped for Inglourious Basterds). It's most fun seeing the differing acting styles of the likes of Eastwood, Sutherland (justifiably famed for stealing every scene he's in) and Don Rickles bouncing off each other.

***1/2

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Now In Full Color, with a Happier Ending

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